Analysis of National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE)
Compiled by Katie Valliere

What are the benefits of membership in this organization?

The goal of NCTE is to bring together educators, professionals, specialists, and supervisors from various backgrounds around the country into a community that promotes the learning and teaching of English at all levels. With over 60,000 members in the United States and other countries, the NCTE offers professional forums where educators can learn and discuss various research information, learning strategies, and teaching ideas that can enable teachers to be successful in promoting literacy and the appreciation of literature in their classrooms. The NCTE provides its members with various types of professional materials and information, as well as, opportunities to collaborate with other professionals so as to help its members continue their professional development, and deal with any of the various issues that arise from the teaching of English.

What kinds of materials and information are available through the organization’s website?

The NCTE offers its members numerous benefits upon joining the organization. Members are given the NCTE’s 12 professional journals that include various strategies, resources, and research. Members also receive the NCTE newsletter, The Council Chronicle, which is filled with research information, teaching ideas, interviews with leaders in the field, and professional development opportunities. A member of the NCTE can also receive free journals for their classes, weekly newsletters with up-to-date information and teaching strategies, opportunities to connect with colleagues around the globe, access to members-only web resources, and a 30% discount on all NCTE books. On the NCTE’s website members can find information about volunteer position and career or job opportunities at various levels around the country. Members can also search the website for information regarding the specific scholastic level they are concerned with; from elementary to college. Finally, members can become involved in specialized programs within the NCTE which include; African American Read-In, NCTE Writing Initiative, Anti-Censorship and Intellectual Freedom Center, Teachers Education and Preparation Guidelines, Cultural Diversity, and Brown v Board of Education.


Does the organization hold an annual conference?

Yes. The NCTE Annual Convention will be held this year in San Antonio, Texas from November 20-23, 2008. The NCTE website also lists numerous other Conventions that will be occurring throughout the year.


Does the organization have a companion group at the state level?


Unfortunately, I could not find any information on whether or not the NCTE has a companion group at the state level. There are, however, other groups that the NCTE is associated with which include:
**Conference on College Composition and Communication (CCCC)**
**Conference on English Education (CEE)**
**Conference on English Leadership (CEL)**
**Two-Year College English Association (TYCA)**
**Whole Language Umbrella (WLU)**

What are the costs of becoming a member?

Individual Membership - $40

Student Membership - $20
Emeritus Membership - $20

Are student memberships available? If so, what is the cost?

Yes, there is student membership available and it costs $20. Although student members are not eligible to vote in NCTE elections, they do receive other benefits such as adding journal subscriptions or registering for conferences at reduced prices.


Additional information:
For additional information regarding the NCTE you can visit their website at http://www.ncte.org/ or request information by the phone or mailing the organization.